Planning your visit - your questions answered

Booking tickets

Individual admission

It's free to visit for general admission and there's no need to book.

Group bookings (including self-guided tours)

All groups, including self-guided tours, need to book in advance.

You can book self-guided tours for groups or schools parties.

Find out more about groups and self-guided tours.

Enjoy a safe visit

Toilets and cloakrooms

There are no public toilets available in the Museum.

Cloakroom facilities are not available and we're asking visitors not to bring bulky bags, e.g. luggage or shopping, with them during their visit.

Access (Lift temporarily out of order)

The lift, which is temporarily OUT OF ORDER, is for visitors with impaired mobility needing level access. It can only be used by 2 people at a time.

The lift only allows access to the Basement Gallery only.

If you have a mobility impairment and need disabled level access, please book a dedicated ticket and our staff will arrange access for you.

We're unable to offer storage for buggies; visitors with buggies would need to carry them up the stairs at the Entrance.

No pets are allowed apart from assistance dogs.

Food and drink

We don't sell food and drink in the Museum.

We're also asking visitors not to bring food or drink with them (with the exception of bottled water.

Please take photos (no flash)

We'd love you to take photos to remember your visit (no flash photography)

Discover and explore

There's signage throughout the Museum to help you explore and find your way around.

If you're suffering from COVID symptoms

If you feel unwell — particularly if you experience any symptoms of COVID-19 — please postpone your visit.

Supporting your Museum

Pick up a souvenir in the Museum Shop

Our Museum Shop is in the Basement Gallery where you can find a range of souvenirs, including replica scientific instruments. Ask our Visitor team to demonstrate them for you.